UK MP Bob Blackman Slams Hindu Persecution In Bangladesh, Calls For Action

Updated: Friday, November 29, 2024, 11:18 [IST]

In a strong condemnation of the ongoing attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, British Conservative MP Bob Blackman has called for immediate international attention to the growing religious persecution in the country.

Speaking in the UK Parliament on Thursday, Blackman expressed grave concern over the escalating violence against Hindus, including the burning of their homes and temples, and the imprisonment of religious leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, as reported by ANI.

UK MP Bob Blackman Slams Hindu Persecution In Bangladesh Calls For Action

Photo Credit: ANI

In his address, Blackman highlighted recent developments in Bangladesh, including the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a key figure associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). The priest was detained on charges of sedition after allegedly raising a flag next to the national flag of Bangladesh, a move that sparked significant controversy. Blackman also drew attention to a troubling attempt in the Bangladesh High Court to ban ISKCON from the country, which he described as a direct attack on religious freedom.

"I condemned the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and the imprisonment of Chinmoy Krishna Das. I am also concerned by the attempt in their High Court to rule that ISKCON should be banned from the country. Freedom of religion must be preserved globally," Blackman stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh

Blackman’s speech underscored the dire situation for Hindus in Bangladesh, describing the violence they are enduring. “Hindus across Bangladesh are being subject literally to death, with their houses and temples being burned,” he said, stressing the need for international attention. The Conservative MP also reminded the parliament of the UK's historical role in supporting Bangladesh's independence, adding, "We have a responsibility because we enabled Bangladesh to be free and independent."

The MP called for the UK government to take a more active role in addressing the issue, urging the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to provide a public statement on the matter. “We cannot accept that religious minorities are persecuted in this way,” Blackman said, echoing the sentiments of many in the UK who believe that the situation in Bangladesh warrants global intervention, as reported by ANI.

Support from Labour MP and ISKCON

Lucy Powell, the Labour and Co-op MP for Manchester Central, also joined in the condemnation, affirming her support for the protection of religious freedoms worldwide, including in Bangladesh. She pledged to request the Foreign Office to look into the situation and address the issues raised by Blackman.

ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) has expressed solidarity with Chinmoy Krishna Das, with the organization offering prayers for his protection. In a statement on X, ISKCON wrote, “ISKCON, Inc. stands with Chinmoy Krishna Das. Our prayers to Lord Krishna for the protection of all these devotees.”

The Arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das

The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das has sparked outrage, particularly among the Hindu community, both in Bangladesh and internationally. Das, a prominent religious figure, was arrested on charges of sedition after allegedly raising a flag on a stand displaying Bangladesh’s national flag, a move that has been widely condemned as an act of disrespect. On Tuesday, a court in Chittagong denied his bail plea and remanded him into custody, further igniting calls for his immediate release.

Many have voiced their concerns over the growing climate of religious intolerance in Bangladesh, particularly for Hindu communities that are being increasingly marginalized. The arrest of Das and the violent actions against Hindus have led to calls for stronger international advocacy to protect religious minorities, as per media report.

Global Attention Needed

As the situation in Bangladesh continues to unfold, the call for global attention and intervention remains urgent. British MPs like Bob Blackman are pushing for the UK to take a stronger stance against religious persecution, while international organizations like ISKCON continue to stand in solidarity with those affected. With mounting pressure, it remains to be seen whether international leaders and human rights organizations will take more concrete actions to support the persecuted Hindu community in Bangladesh.